The Secrets of Harry Bright

The Secrets of Harry Bright by Joseph Wambaugh

This book is titled, The Secrets of Harry Bright by Joseph Wambaugh. It was published in 1985. I have read other novels by Joseph Wambaugh. He is a very intriguing author. He has a way of capturing his audience that is paralleled with few authors. In essence, he relates his writings to everyday life woven into crime, drugs and sex. It appeals to a more mature audience, which can appreciate Wambaugh’s rough portrayal of urban life. My first thought of the book was it lacked historical significance. Upon further thought it became apparent to me that history isn’t simply war or catastrophes; it’s an accumulation of everything that has preceded the time we live now. This novel made many references to Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter and even William McKinley. It also viewed America as it was in the 1980’s. A time sometimes forgotten or often neglected to be mentioned. Through this novel you begin to grasp this time period and develop a sense of appreciation for it, because it did take place and is apart of our history. I believe Joseph Wambaugh is one of the forerunners in enlightening the American Public on a period, which deserves more recognition. And I believe strongly that Wambaugh set out to highlight this decade in our history and he most certainly succeeded.

Mineral Springs and Palm Springs, two cities near Los Angeles, is the setting of this novel. A wealthy businessman named Victor Watson has hired to LAPD detectives to solve his son, John Watson’s, year-old murder case. John was shot and killed in his father’s Rolls Royce that was in flames when investigators arrived on the scene. No leads were ever formed and this case was never solved and eventually put to rest. Victor couldn’t deal with the stress of his son’s death, because even though he was a multi-millionaire he had lost all those he loved and was contemplating suicide. Sidney Blackpool was mentioned to be a top-notch detective and certainly the man for the job. Victor offers Blackpool a two-week, luxury vacation, and is free to do investigating as he pleases. Blackpool enlists the help of his old friend Otto Stringer.

Mineral Springs police department, which consists of nine men, decides to lend the two detectives any resources they need concerning the murder. They basically follow a couple of bum leads, play a few rounds of golf, and soak up the peace and quiet of their surroundings.